By Karolyn Gephart
Friendswood ISD first grade teacher Jennifer Quigley encouragers her students to think of themselves as Can-Doers. They do and their success stories keep multiplying. Now the teacher must be just that: a Can-Doer to beat breast cancer.
Westwood teacher Quigley has been diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer and her fight has just begun. But she is not alone now nor will she ever be in this journey. Her husband, her family, her friends and her many students now and in the past are at her side with prayer and encouragement.
Her trip to MD Anderson to begin her first chemotherapy treatment included her many supporters. In a drive by setting at 8:15 am Tuesday, October 27, 2020, Quigley was given a send-off from all of Westwood students and some former students who were outside to send their support with her in her travels to the health facility.
Recently, 250 Can Do tee shirts were sold in a few days to raise funds for medical bills and “wigs for Quigs.” A wooden Can Doer train has been placed in her front yard.
A group of approximately 40-plus showed up at her home to pray over her recently.
For more than 25 years, it has been Quigley who gave so much to others and was a constant source of encouragement to students and peers.
“There just aren’t enough kind words to say about Jennifer Quigley. She has spent her life encouraging others, especially young children. Her expression of love and kindness are felt by everyone she meets. I watched her convince young children that they could do anything they set their minds to do and what is better, she truly believed they could!” former FISD Superintendent and current City Council member Trish Hanks said. “Her doctors and nurses will be blessed beyond measure when they begin treating her and they will all see this “can do” spirit she is so well known for.”
Her biggest supporter is her husband Roger.
“She has been so very strong and brave. I am so proud of her. One of the hardest things for her was when she learned from her oncologist that she could not go to the classroom while in treatment with the threat of COVID. This really hit her hard. She has so much love and concern for her kids,” Roger Quigley said. “Everyone at Westwood has been so supportive of her. “
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM), also referred to as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). This is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
Unending support is exactly what is being given to Quigley.
All of her friends, family, current and former students are now known as ‘Can – Doers’ for Mrs. Quigley.
